PALERMO

[Daniel24]

Amauri Agent: I Am Going To Sue Zamparini For Libel
Amauri’s agent Mariano Grimaldi has threatened to sue Maurizio Zamparini for Libel following the Brazilian’s move to Juventus.

Amauri’s transfer was one of the longest saga’s and the deal collapsed several times for various reasons before finally going through last Friday.

One of the motives the move didn’t go through when expected is because Amauri's agent, MarianoGrimaldi, wanted a €2m golden handshake from Zamparini for his part in the deal.

The Palermo chief refused back then and he branded Grimaldi as someone who was trying to extort the money from him.

Grimaldi was offended by the comments and he has now threatened to take Zamparini to court following what he said to the papers.

“Over the last few days I have remained quiet to ensure the deal went through,” said Grimaldi.

“However, I cannot forget Zamaprini labelling me as a criminal. I believe that we will see each other again in court.

“The story cannot end like this, the reason we didn’t pay attention to his words then was so that Amauri’s move would be completed easily.”

This is not the first time Zamparini has over stepped the mark when speaking about others.

The chief has in the past shown his fiery temperament and it seems as if he has once again landed himself in hot water.

Goal.com - Palermo - Amauri Agent: I Am Going To Sue Zamparini For Libel

[Daniel24]

Budan Keen On Sicilian Move
Parma striker Igor Budan is still unsure of whether he will be wearing a Palermo jersey next season but he is hoping he gets the chance to go back to his former hunting ground.

The former Rosanero hit-man is wanted by Maurizio Zamparini who recently stated that Budan would be Amauri’s replacement following the Brazilian’s move to Juventus.

The Ducali were relegated to Serie B on the last day of the season and it’s highly likely that the striker will move to a Serie A team but he is not sure whether it will be Palermo.

“We will see if it’s the right year to wear the Palermo jersey,” Budan told Stadio News.

“The club are currently in talks with Parma but we will have to wait until after the Euro’s to see what happens.

“I have not heard from Zamparini for a week now but he did ask me whether I wanted to come back to Palermo.

“I said yes and that I was really interested in a return.

“A few years ago I left them but it’s obvious that they have followed my progress but we have to see what happens over the next few weeks.”

The Rosanero finished mid-table following a turbulent season which saw the club change managers twice.

Zamparini will be hoping for some tranquillity and stability next season and Budan seems like the perfect replacement for Amauri following his 20 goals in 50 appearances for Parma.

Goal.com - Palermo - Budan Keen On Sicilian Move

[Daniel24]

Stefano searches for new blood

Palermo boss Stefano Colantuono is building a new-look side for next term and hopes to lure some more recruits.

After last term’s disappointment of a bottom-half finish, Palermo have made sweeping changes.

The Sicilians have sold Amauri, Andrea Barzagli and Cristian Zaccardo, while bringing in Davide Lanzafame, Antonio Nocerino, Fabio Liverani and Andrea Raggi.

“There won’t be a revolution this summer,” Colantuono explained on Radio Radio TV. “We have made some changes and it was in some ways the end of a cycle.

“Lots of players had done so much for Palermo and it was only right for them to leave in search of fresh challenges.

“Amauri won’t be easily substituted and I have already appealed to the fans not to compare the new strikers that arrive to him.

“We need new players with motivation and that determination can mean that less talented replacements get better results.

“Sergio Floccari will be an important player for our project and our priority is to complete the negotiations.”

Colantuono, who was sacked and reinstated last season, is confident that he has the trust of President Maurizio Zamparini now.

“I have an excellent relationship with Zamparini,” he insisted.

“He is sometimes really outspoken, but the other clubs’ chiefs say the same things only in private.

“I didn’t expect to be sacked last year when we were in sixth and I have told the President that.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Daniel24]

I reallly dont like Colantuono. I think he did a poor job last year with the manager situation and as well with the Amauri situation...

[D-Kin]

You mean Zamparini, the club President?

He's a nutter.

[Daniel24]

Originally Posted by D-Kin

You mean Zamparini, the club President?

He's a nutter.

Yeah.. My apologies I seem to not be thinking correctly today...

[Daniel24]

Balzaretti: I want to stay

Palermo’s Federico Balzaretti has stated that he is more than happy to stay with the Rosaneri and does not wish to leave Sicily any time soon.

The 26-year-old moved to the Renzo Barbera from Fiorentina and has settled in well, making 16 appearances since his January switch.

“I wish with all my heart to stay with Palermo as long as possible because they gave me a chance when at Fiorentina I wasn’t even playing,” insisted Balzaretti.

“My hope for the future is to find a stable position here and to be part of this project. I have found a good team and a nice group of players.

“However, in football you can never be sure and anything can happen. For example, I wasn’t expecting the departure of Leandro Rinaudo but things are unpredictable sometimes.

“Anyway, I have a three-year contract which I want to respect,” concluded the former Torino Captain.

Meanwhile, Palermo are in talks with Toro President Urbano Cairo, who is trying to secure a permanent deal for Paolo Hernan Dellafiore.

The 23-year-old Argentine moved to the Olimpico in January but is now set to return to the Barbera, since he has gained the faith of President Maurizio Zamparini.

“He would be a good capture for us, but the Rosaneri have the last word,” noted the Granata patron.

“I don’t want to make public the wish of the player since we have a good relationship with Palermo. We may seal other deals with them during the summer.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Daniel24]

Palermo unveil Liverani

Former Fiorentina midfielder Fabio Liverani has been unveiled by Palermo today after completing his free transfer.

The 33-year-old joined the Sicilians after failing to agree a new contract with the Viola and is delighted at the opportunity to play at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

“I have never had any doubts about Palermo. I am here to give my contribution to this project hoping to start a new cycle which will be important for the team and the fans.

“Palermo is a hot place and the stadium is often sold out. President Maurizio Zamparini has got plenty of passion and he wants to win all the time,” beamed the former Italy international.

Liverani has struggled in Florence recently and has found a place in Cesare Prandelli's starting XI hard to come by.

“My first priority was to stay with the group where I have been playing for the past two fantastic years, but I realised Fiorentina didn't want to keep me.

“I wasn't part of their long-term project so since they didn't wish to continue together I started looking around. Now I am moving to a club which has faith in me,” he concluded.

The Viola have already founnd a valid replacement in Felipe Melo, although the experience of the former Lazio captain in midfield will definitely be missed.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Daniel24]

I am shocked. Why would we bring in Liverani.? Isn't he a little "done".?

[Daniel24]

Amelia signs for Palermo

Palermo have announced the signature of Azzurri goalkeeper Marco Amelia from Livorno.

Since Livorno’s relegation from Serie A there has been intense speculation over the future of their No 1.

Amelia had been at the Stadio Armando Picchi for seven years and made over 150 appearances.

The 26-year-old has become Gigi Buffon’s regular understudy in the national side, but has failed to secure a move to a big club, in spite of his regular appeals to hometown club Roma.

But Amelia’s spell in Tuscany has come to a close and a statement on Palermo’s website insists that he has signed a four-year deal with the Rosanero.

The fee is yet to be officially announced, but it is expected to amount to somewhere between £5m and £7m.

Palermo are ringing the changes after a disappointing season.

The Sicilians have brought in Antonio Nocerino, Andrea Raggi, Davide Lanzafame and Fabio Liverani, while selling Amauri, Andrea Barzagli, Cristian Zaccardo and Leandro Rinaudo.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Liverani is a decent signing, very experienced.

[Benfica7]

Genoa have swooped to sign former hero Diego Milito from Real Zaragoza, while Palermo’s Bosko Jankovic has also arrived on loan.

[Benfica7]

Palermo have completed the signing of Davide Succi from Ravenna...

[Benfica7]

FT Palermo [2 - 1] Genoa
39' [1 - 0] E. Cavani
57' [2 - 0] C. Bovo
89' [2 - 1] D. Milito

[Lemmy]

Italian soccer authorities opened an inquiry Tuesday into alleged Mafia pressure on the Palermo soccer team.

The Italian Football Federation will investigate possible influence on market moves by the Sicilian Serie A team and alleged allotment of free tickets to Mafia bosses. The federation’s move stemmed from an investigation by the Italian judiciary.

Last week, news reports said police had arrested the former head of Palermo’s youth team and a lawyer who acted as an agent for some players. Both are accused of helping the mob pressure the club’s owners.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has denied the club had any relations with underworld figures.

Alleged mob pressure on Palermo investigated - World Soccer - Yahoo! Sports